The third-largest Catholic population in the world is to be found in the Philippines, where

Catholic practice is fervent and wide-ranging. The Philippines boast to be the only Christian nation in
Asia. More than 86 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 6 percent belong to various
nationalized Christian cults, and another 2 percent belong to well over 100 Protestant denominations.
Historically speaking, Filipino Catholicism is shaped by local indigenous practices, and by the Spaniards
who conquered it in the 16th century and ruled it until the early 20 th century.

To name a few of the influences of the Roman Catholic in the Philippine society, we will define them by
categorizing them into two factors; namely, the tangible and intangible culture.

Tangible culture refers to both movable and immovable, with historical, archival, anthropological,
archaeological, and artistic or architectural value.

On the other hand, Intangible culture refers to the practices, representations, expressions, rituals,
festive events, as well as skills and knowledge associated within the community or group.
The Influence of Roman Catholic in the Philippine Society

Tangible (Tangible-Immovable influence of the Roman Catholic in the Philippine Society)

Immovable

To begin with, the Roman Catholic had its influence in the structures and buildings in the Philippines.
When you go around the Philippines, you could see Catholic churches situated near the plazas and town
halls of different municipalities and cities. Some of these churches already withstand many centuries.
The Baroque churches of the Philippines are an example of it.

Moreover, the Roman Catholic also established several Catholic schools during the colonial times. These
schools would serve as institutions of Education and Religion that would cultivate the Philippine society.
University of Santo Tomas, University of San Carlos, and University of San Jose Recoletos are a few of its
examples.

Movable

Now, let’s move on into the Tangible-movable influence of the Roman Catholic in the Philippine Society.

When the Spaniards first came in the Philippines, Magellan brought several stuffs which are significant
to Catholicism, the holy cross which serves as an indication of their arrival, images and figures of the
Holy man Jesus and of several saints, rosaries, and the Holy Scripture bible, which are still used in the
practice of Catholicism in the Philippines of the modern-era.

Moreover, the Roman Catholic also published several books in the Philippines, which played a vital role
in the existence of seminaries, catholic associations, and catholic schools. Doctrina Christiana is an
example of it, the first published book in the Philippines.
Intangible

Now let’s talk about the influence of the Roman Catholic in the intangible culture of the Philippine
Society. Remember, Intangible culture refers to practices, representations, expressions, rituals, festive
events, as well as skills and knowledge associated within the community or group.

One of the few examples of it was the first mass in Limasawa, and the baptism of the few locals. The
baptism includes the changing of names from heathen to Christian names. An example of it would be of
Rajah Humabon’s name changed into Don Carlos.

Nowadays, children who are baptized in the name of the Catholic church are still named with Christian
names.

Let’s not also forget how the Spaniards introduced the idea of wedding, burial, prayers, baptism, and the
celebration of Christmas which are still prevalent in the Philippine society.

Lastly, the Filipino people are very fond of celebrating religious activities and feasts. As you travel
around the Philippines, try not to forget to visit one of its towns or municipalities, as each of these
places have these colorful feasts which offer extravagant preparation of food in their household, joyous
parade of band in the streets, and bright display of banderitas all over the town, in celebration of course
of its Patron saint. Examples of these feasts are the Flores de mayo, Sinulog in Cebu, Bonok-bonok in
Surigao, Maskara festival in Bacolod and the list goes on.
Indeed, the Roman Catholic Church had influenced the Philippine society in many different ways. The
culture and practices they have introduced to the Philippines have successfully integrated into lives of
the Filipino people up to this day.